Ministers and senior representatives from the Western Balkans convened in Tirana for the Roma Ministerial Meeting to review progress on Roma integration in line with the Poznan Declaration. The meeting reaffirmed that Roma inclusion remains a cornerstone for the region’s democratic resilience and European perspective.

Participants underlined that Roma integration is not merely a policy objective, but a test of democracy, human rights, and social cohesion. They emphasized the need for the full integration of Roma inclusion into national strategies and budgets, ensuring adequate and sustainable implementation of policies in education, employment, housing, and health. Strengthened monitoring and accountability mechanisms, supported by measurable indicators and regular reporting, were recognized as essential for assessing progress and achieving tangible results.

The meeting called for the meaningful participation of Roma in decision-making at both local and national levels. It concluded that the Western Balkans has a unique opportunity to demonstrate that Roma inclusion is not only a moral and legal obligation but also an investment in social cohesion, economic growth, and European integration, building a more inclusive future for all.